Make honest assessment of voter sentiments ahead of GE15, PM tells BN

SHAH ALAM – Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob urged Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to conduct an assessment of voter sentiments and gauge their own strengths ahead of the 15th general election (GE15).

The prime minister said it was important to understand voter sentiments in the mission to restore voters’ trust in BN, and ensure that the assessment of their party’s strengths and also of the opposition is based on facts and not emotions.

“We will need a detailed assessment. If we are not aware (of strengths and weaknesses), we will end up being taken by surprise in the general election. 

“People have now begun to compare us with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government. They are not confident in giving (PH) another chance, and I believe they will not give the Perikatan Nasional government a chance as well.

“I am confident the people will give us (BN) a chance if they are confident we can take care of them,” he said in his opening speech at the Selangor BN convention here today. 

Also present was Selangor BN chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said it was important for all BN members to put a stop to “cas keting” (East Coast slang for sabotage) if they are not chosen as candidates in GE15, and also to understand their roles in ensuring a BN win. 

“To sulk, be disappointed for a day or two, that I can understand. However, you cannot sabotage friends who are contesting as they are not representing themselves but BN,” he said. 

He said BN must ensure unity prevails within the coalition to win the hearts of the people, in turn establishing a stable government. 

In addition, Ismail Sabri said it was also important for BN component parties to be the voice of the government in disseminating accurate information to the masses, particularly on initiatives taken for the well-being of the people. 

Therefore, he said BN component parties must be astute in countering allegations, including from the opposition, especially through their own social media platforms, to ensure the government and the coalition’s image is not marred. 

“The general election is near. Not too long from now, but we have to work as though it is tomorrow,” he said. – Bernama, July 31, 2022